The 2D hand-drawn Metroidvania welcomes players to experience the rich folklore of Polynesian mythology.
It does so in a way that integrates its portrayal from Disney.
Its inclusion of pieces from Hawaiian mythology and unique animal transformations sets it apart from other games alike.
Story
Maui is a cultural hero who diversifies the world through his inventions and discoveries.
He is more than the cheerful demigod depicted in Disney’s filmsMoanaandDisney Dreamlight Valley.
The demigod Maui embarks on an adventure to rescue his island from an evil darkness that plagues them.
The island is full of challenges, tasks to complete, and secrets to uncover.
However, it is Mauis main duty to traverse it.
Maui uses his epic fish hook to slice his way through the thick jungle on the island.
The game incorporates NPCs to help you solve puzzles and challenges.
The gameplay involves running, jumping, and attacking.
However, transforming into the different Hawaiian animals allows you to develop additional movement options.
These movements allow you to explore and progress in different areas.
Embodying a Hawaiian Monk Seal will help you survive huge falls while becoming a Happy Face.
Spider allows you to shoot webs that help you swing through the trees.
you’ve got the option to overcome all the difficult obstacles by combining different animal abilities.
It also allows you to reveal the game’s secrets and hidden areas.
The transformations not only enrich the gameplay; they also relate to Mauis mythological mastery of shapeshifting.
You will be able to wield Mauis iconic magic fish hook.
The hook, however, is not just for combat.
It also allows you to enjoy a bit of environmental manipulation and use it for puzzle-solving.
you could upgrade your hooks stats as you progress through the game.
Development
Play on Worlds doubles up as the games developer and publisher.
The game is designed as a Metroidvania, side-scrolling action-adventure title.
It presents players with an open-world map set on a vibrant Polynesian island.
It stands out for having a unique hand-painted art style that showcases vibrant and beautiful landscapes.
Maui ventures through diverse biomes, including tropical forests, waterfalls, caves, volcanoes, and spiritual realms.
Somehow, it pays tribute to Polynesian mythology, portraying Maui in a light that illuminates his roots.
WithMaui the Shapeshifter, players rediscover a legend by immersing themselves in an interactive world of meticulously crafted Metroidvania.
The trailer begins with a dark creature from another world called Cemyk.
Cemyuk invades the peaceful Polynesian island.
However, Maui uses his shapeshifting abilities to battle the threat using his famous hook.
The trailer sets up the story and provides a glimpse of the possibilities that lie ahead.
It then goes ahead to show a moment-to-moment gameplay.
Maui uses the spirit of Aumakua to allow him to transform into different variations of animals.
The transformations allow him to reach new heights, slide down hills, or glide across distances.
Release Date and Platforms
Maui the Shapeshifteris set to release on Steam sometime later.
The developers have yet to issue an official release date, but the game is confirmed for PC.
Players can already wishlist it onSteam.
More information onMaui the Shapeshifteris available at the games official website.
you’re able to follow its development team via their social media for updates.
Cynthia Wambui is a gamer who has a knack for writing video gaming content.
Blending words to express one of my biggest interests keeps me in the loop on trendy gaming topics.
Aside from gaming and writing, Cynthia is a tech nerd and coding enthusiast.
